Vitamins and supplements seem to be everywhere these days, and many mistakenly believe that these expensive products help them to lead healthier lives. However, most of us get all the nutrients we need from the foods we eat. In fact, eating a variety of foods is the best way for your body to absorb the nutrients it needs.

Eating fish once or twice a week is a smart way to stay heart healthy. Fish, especially fatty fish like Ahi, have Omega-3 fatty acids that doctors believe reduce the risk of heart disease and also lower your cholesterol. When we hear the word “fat” many of us get worried. But there’s good fat and bad fat. Fish contains good fat, the unsaturated kind, which may help decrease triglycerides, reduce inflammation, decrease stroke risk, and may even increase brain function.

If you’re worried about possible mercury poisoning there are reports that say that Selenium, a mineral also found in fish, can counteract mercury. Click here to see a poster released by the Western Pacific Regional Fishery Management Council which breaks down the amount of selenium and mercury found in many popular ocean fish we consume here in Hawaii.

Really the key to living a healthy life is balance. Keep that in mind as you eat, drink, and play.